Hang In There

Stake Conference was last night and this morning.  We only had one session today.  The last time we had a general authority down, the leadership was explaining how we have two Sunday sessions because of our size, and he commented that that was 'old school' and we should stream it to the other buildings.  So that's what they did.  It was nice to go an hour later.  The conference was very good.  It was a very tender conference.  So much has gone on politically since we met last, and financially with the economy.  So the messages were strong, straight-forward and yet filled with kindness and hope and encouragement.  The message was clear:  we will be called on again to battle marriage and we need to get prepared spiritually, emotionally, socially , physically and financially for it.

Some of my notes:

• Lehi's Dream.  The great and spacious building with mocking people.  How to handle it:  "But we heeded them NOT!
• We need to be strong.  Our youth need to be able to 'heed them not' when being mocked, teased about dating, word of wisdom, pornography, modesty, morality.  The great and spacious building is real even for the parents.  Be careful.
• YW Transition begins at the cradle.
• We cannot be passive parents.
• Our children will do what they see us do. 
• Mothers.  Go to Relief Society!  Talk well about it.  Become involved.
• Patterns.  They are reliable.  If you sew or craft or bake, you must rely on the pattern for the desired result.  The same is true of prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, modesty, etc.
• Be prepared.  All Is Safely Gathered In.  Mosiah 4: 27.  Pattern.
• Pride is a very real issue in being and staying prepared.
• Overcome Fear.
• We are not the first to face fear.  Even Joseph in Liberty Jail.
• Recognize where the spirit of fear comes from.  Satan.
• Recognize we are not alone in our immediate condition.  1Cor. 12: 25, 26.
• MOVE! Take action.  Break out of paralysis.
• Persevere.  Keep doing above.  Move!
• Talk by GBHinckley, 1983.  Look deeper for the good. Stop looking for the storms.  You will get bitter.  Churchill quote.  Look for the sunlight through the clouds.
• D&C68:6.  Do not fear. Have faith.  Daniel 3.  Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego.  '...But if not...' shows significant faith. 
• The Future Is As Bright As Our Faith.
• Elder Holland videoof young parents with broken down car.  Hold to the iron rod.  Don't fade away or be bitter. Don't give up on God. President Brennan doesn't minimize our trials, but has assurity that if we will keep the commandments and our covenants we will make it.  'It'= through this life, these current circumstances and return to the Father.